The U.S. Census Bureau defines the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky/Middletown metropolitan statistical area as a three-state, 15-county region; not identifying the Ohio River as a physical boundary. However, the history of the region is rich with unique assets and challenges that are recognized on both sides of the river. The reality of the region, as it has historically been known, continues to change and evolve based on external factors that are oblivious to traditional boundaries.
In order to continue to thrive and compete globally as a region, leaders in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati realized that they must align and closely collaborate in order to continue building a world-class community where the local economy outpaces the national growth rate in new jobs and average household income and where all students exceed national education performance standards at every transition point along the learning continuum.
Vision 2015, released in 2005, has a 25-year history of strategic planning to shape economic development for Northern Kentucky. Agenda 360, the plan for Southwest Ohio, released in February of this year, deliberately leveraged the Vision 2015 framework and process to position possible alignment of the two plans. While both plans contain elements that are unique to the individual states, the overall goals of long-term transformation through talent, jobs, educational attainment and prosperity for residents are very similar.
With a desire to ensure that both plans are successful and the goals identified by the citizens of both communities are reached in the most impactful manner, leaders of Vision 2015 and Agenda 360 meet regularly to explore the adoption of common goals and measures across the 15 counties. The creation of a regional scorecard to measure how we are faring is in the works. This scorecard will lead to more collaborative action and the realization that we must continue to work together in order to propel our region to new heights.
In these challenging economic times, having regional plans that are aligned and coordinated to maximize success is a catalyst which benefits everyone in our community. Our region continues to find innovative, collaborative ways to build future prosperity and success for all who call Greater Cincinnati home.
I encourage you to take a look at our visions for transforming our future.
www.vision2015.org
www.cincinnati360.com
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